There’s something about warm nights, with the moon overhead and the breeze through the palms, that sets the mood just right. We’ve listed our favorite romantic dinners on St Croix to help you keep the mood going.

Whether your beau is in to classic candlelit romance, modern and elegant dining, or the Caribbean vibe, we have something for you. Nail the date or the anniversary, or just give them a wonderful surprise.

17/64 Bar & Kitchen

17/64, named after St Croix’s latitude and longitude, is a brand new restaurant in Christiansted. The interior is modern and sleek, the atmosphere relaxed yet refined. It’s a great spot if you’re not into candles-and-roses romance, but still want a classy evening.

The menu is inspired by “the different people and cultures that make up the island of Saint Croix.” In other words, everything from salt fish to a cheeseburger to lobster. All the employees take great pride in their food and service, and it shows.

Located right in downtown Christiansted, it’s convenient location is hard to beat. So even if you’re downtown for another reservation, stop by for a delicious cocktail, glass of wine, or dessert.

40 Strand Eatery

Four words: lobster mac-n-cheese. Or is that two?

Whatever it is, 40 Strand knows how to cook a meal. They specialize in Southern cooking with a Caribbean twist, and it’s a local and visitor favorite (we recommend a reservation) for good reason. The space is small and clean, with soft lighting and local art. There’s also seating in the alley outside if you prefer the breeze. The servers are always extremely accommodating and will help you make your date night special.

40 Strand takes pride in their locally sourced, creative dishes available in a casual setting. There will be a couple dressed to the nine’s in the corner, and some friends in flip-flops at the bar. Come one, come all.

Right in the heart of Christiansted, it’s a great place to unwind after a Buck Island adventure or a day shopping. Whether your in heels or sandals, you will get excellent service and an unforgettable meal. Just remember to leave room for dessert!

balter

Craving a first-class dining experience on small-town St Croix? Look no further than balter, right downtown in Christiansted on Company Street. When you step inside you feel like you’re in the hottest restaurant in Miami or New York, but without the wait list.

And balter doesn’t just talk the talk, it can walk the walk. The Le cordon bleu chef & trained sommelier pride themselves on perfectly-crafted plates, cocktails, and wine pairings. They also source many of their ingredients locally, giving the classic food a Caribbean twist.

Still not convinced? Certain nights of the week balter hosts live music in their courtyard, complete with outside bar and candlelit tables. So whether you’re looking for something romantic or festive, balter will treat you like family and feed you like royalty.

Cibone

Cibone, in downtown Frederiksted, prides itself on making a fantastic meal from almost exclusively locally grown food. And yes, it’s very good too. Especially known for their wild-caught seafood dishes, Cibone is an excellent place to take a date who appreciates excellent food in a quiet, refined atmosphere.

Tucked away in a courtyard on King Street, the little open-air restaurant is clean and rustic, reminiscent of a New England cafe. The stone work with bare wood structure is beautifully simple, which fits their menu style. Everyday you can find their daily menu, typically a single appetizer, salad, and a couple entrees on their whiteboard, which they post to their Facebook page.

On Saturdays they typically have live music, something soothing like jazz or a single guitarist. Overall, it’s a lovely place to slow down, find a fantastic cocktail and locally sourced meal, and enjoy your date’s company.

Dashi

Dashi, in downtown Christiansted, provides the best sushi and Japanese food on St Croix. The vibe is casual fine dining, a perfect spot for a romantic dinner without breaking the bank.

Besides their specialized sushi rolls, they have asian barbecue ribs, pad thai, and oysters. And don’t worry, they are happy to bring a fork if you aren’t totally comfortable with the chopsticks yet. The cocktails are often a twist on old classics, such as sake martinis and ginger margaritas. Or try a flight of premium sake. Or a mojito. They have it all!

The main seating is inside with Japanese-themed decor, or you can choose to sit in the courtyard by the beautiful fountain (with goldfish!) and flowers. There typically is plenty of seating available outside, though you may want to make a reservation for a table inside.

If you are looking to try something new or shake up date night, this is your spot.

Galangal

Galangal, in downtown Christiansted, specializes in French-Asian-fusion cuisine with hand-crafted cocktails and an extensive wine list. The asian food is as authentic as you get on Saint Croix—they source many of their ingredients directly from Thailand, while much of the wine is imported from Germany. Don’t worry, most of the fish and produce comes from the island, or right around it.

The entire Galangal experience is classy. The dining room has an exotic sophistication, with gold accents against dark leather. The servers are very attentive and knowledgeable. In all likelihood the owners will check on your table as well. You can still get away with flip-flops (it is the island after all), but I wouldn’t recommend a tank top.

Galangal is sure to impress and even spoil a date who likes asian or exotic food. Just be careful with the spice!

The Terrace at the Buccaneer

Come for the view, stay for the food. The Terrace looks down from the top of a hill, straight over the beach and out over Scotch Bank. You can clearly see the other islands on a nice day–it will take your breath away. And your date’s too.

There are two dining sections with the same menu: the Terrace or the Lounge. The Terrace is classic fine dining, while the Lounge is more laid back and often has live music. Either way, the service is always friendly and the Caribbean-fusion cuisine cooked to perfection.

Reservations are required for dinner. To make a romantic evening spectacular, come around 6 and ask for a table at the rail so you can watch the sunset.

Savant

Savant is a Saint Croix date-night classic. Whether you prefer the cozy New York-style dining room or the candlelit, vine-covered courtyard, you will have a meal to remember. Right down the street from Fort Christiansted, the eclectic menu, cocktails, and wine list are sure to impress even the pickiest eaters.

Savant specializes in farm-to-table cooking: local ingredients are used to create mouth-watering dishes. The lobster and fish specials come from the fisherman down the street. The cocktails are always imaginative and delicious, maybe try a few. And of course, the service is incredible.

Savant is always a go-to for a romantic evening. Just make sure to make a reservation. But in a pinch you can always sit at the outdoor courtyard bar!

Zion Modern Kitchen

Zion Modern Kitchen gracefully walks the line of casual fine dining–modern and edgy but still classic. The staff, which really seems like a family, prides itself on the experience of the meal, making sure each table feels welcome and taken care of.

And the care shows. The food, a modern Caribbean-American fusion, is always created and presented with attention to detail. Dessert is made daily by the in-house pastry chef. And the drinks truly are works of art. Designed and created by Zion’s “mixologists”, each cocktail is a unique mixture of herbs and spirits. And if you’re not feeling what’s on the list, tell them what you like and they’ll make a drink just for you.

The Christiansted restaurant has mostly outside seating in an exposed brick courtyard overflowing with plants. Even the kitchen is open, so you can see all the care that goes into each plate. This is the perfect spot for an romantic meal that you can’t find anywhere else.